With CFL rookie camps opening this week and veterans reporting soon after, this should be the happiest time of year for Canadian Football League fans. Instead, fans of the league find themselves divided.
Longtime supporters have been asked to absorb a steady stream of change: new rule adjustments last season, a shifted season start date, and now an entirely new playoff format. That loyalty is clearly being tested. CFL social media spaces are filled with heated debate and at times, outright anger. Some fans claim they have cancelled their tickets, while trolls and media outlets that rarely cover the league have added fuel to the fire.
Dedicated CFL followers understand the league’s longstanding challenges: perception problems, financial pressures, ownership changes, and the ongoing hunt for a 10th team.
New commissioner Stewart Johnston arrived with urgency, but now must deliver visible progress to win back doubters. At times, the league’s messaging has missed the mark. Announcing sweeping playoff changes on draft day distracted from what should have been a celebration of new talent. Last season, Johnston also stumbled when asked about a move to four downs, giving an uncertain answer instead of definitively shutting down the idea, something he later committed not to do.
Many believe the playoff changes are about more than just format. A new television deal is rumored to be coming, and additional playoff games mean more revenue, both from broadcast rights and extra home dates. Stronger financials make the league more attractive to potential ownership groups. Critics ask why these changes are happening before expansion, but the reasoning is straightforward: increase revenue first, then attract investors. It is a classic chicken-and-egg scenario.
The approach is not perfect, but the CFL has been largely stagnant for decades, often bowing to the “don’t change the game” mindset. As a result, the league has remained familiar but rarely grown or evolved. This article is not meant to reargue the pros and cons of the changes. I have been clear about my support, and Ryan Ballantine of 3DownNation.com has already laid out the case effectively.
What is discouraging is hearing so many fans I considered deeply loyal say they are walking away. That is concerning, though I suspect some of it is emotional reaction rather than final resolve. In British Columbia, fans are fortunate to have ownership that is fully invested in the league’s success. Amar Doman has brought passion, rebuilt grassroots football, and restored credibility to the BC Lions in the Vancouver market. With Nathan Rourke, new head coach Buck Pierce, and a strong roster, the Lions may be entering the most exciting era in franchise history. Locally, fans owe it to Doman to give this a chance.
It would be unfortunate if people missed out because of an emotional response to rule changes and a playoff format that has not yet been tested. Changes, after all, can always be adjusted or reversed if they do not work.
At the end of the day, Stewart Johnston deserves credit for having the courage to try new things, and the patience from fans to see whether it pays off. Training camps are opening, it truly is the most wonderful time of the year, and I am eagerly anticipating another season of great CFL football.
It would be a shame if you missed it.
Missed our last Pawdcast? Listen here!
Lorne Smith
May 3, 2026 at 9:26 pm
I’m more concerned about the shifted season start date than the change in playoff format. In B.C. it’s hard to get the attention of non-diehards in the summer months. Going up against playoff hockey in the spring is suicide.
Brian Wawryshyn
May 3, 2026 at 10:43 pm
They do it now. Look at some point the CFL has to not care what they are going up against. We need to stop looking at this league as second rate.